Archives for July 3, 2003

'Drury is the key to the deal for the Sabres as he is projected to be among their top two centers, along with Daniel Briere. A restricted free agent, Drury must agree to a new contract before joining the Sabres.'

'Drury, 26, has 108 goals and 167 assists in 394 games over five seasons with Colorado and Calgary. The former Hobey Baker Award winner has 26 goals, including 11 game-winners, and 24 assists in 80 playoff games and helped Colorado win the Stanley Cup in 2001. In Begin, Buffalo gets a physical third- or fourth-line center. He had just three goals and an assist in 50 games last season.'

'"In adding Rhett and Steve to our hockey club, we believe we have taken another step toward creating the identity we seek for the Calgary Flames," said Sutter. "Both players have Western Canadian roots and are in the 26-29 year old age group which I consider to be the most important on your club. Rhett is a big strong defenseman who is a key fit to strengthening our current group while Steve solidifies our center position with offensive ability combined with a solid responsibility to the defensive game."'

The Buffalo Sabres acquired forwards Chris Drury and Steve Begin from the Calgary Flames in exchange for defenseman Rhett Warrener and Steve Reinprecht who the Sabres acquired earlier in the day for prospect Keith Ballard (Buffalo’s 2002 first round draft choice).